Gateway to Africa
South Africa has the resident marketing skills and distribution channels imperative for commercial ventures into Africa.South Africa is among the top 30 countries in the world for ease of doing business, according to a 2005 World Bank report. The finding suggests that South Africa is making progress in creating an environment conducive to investment, which the government has identified as key to achieving a 6% growth rate.
The survey ranked 155 countries according to the number of procedures, time and costs involved in: starting a business; dealing with licences; hiring and firing workers; registering property; getting credit; protection for investors; paying taxes; trading across borders; enforcing contracts; and closing a business.
South Africa ranked 28th, ahead Spain (ranked at 30), Austria (32), France (44), Russia (79), China (91) and Brazil (119). Overall, SA had the highest ease-of-business ranking on the African continent.South Africa's industrial production growth is well above the average for developing markets.
The country's manufacturing output is becoming increasingly technology-intensive, with high-tech manufacturing sectors - such as machinery, scientific equipment and motor vehicles - enjoying a growing share of total manufacturing output since 1994.
SA's technological research and quality standards are world-renowned. The country has developed a number of leading technologies, particularly in the fields of energy and fuels, steel production, deep-level mining, telecommunications and information technology.
The survey ranked 155 countries according to the number of procedures, time and costs involved in: starting a business; dealing with licences; hiring and firing workers; registering property; getting credit; protection for investors; paying taxes; trading across borders; enforcing contracts; and closing a business.
South Africa ranked 28th, ahead Spain (ranked at 30), Austria (32), France (44), Russia (79), China (91) and Brazil (119). Overall, SA had the highest ease-of-business ranking on the African continent.South Africa's industrial production growth is well above the average for developing markets.
The country's manufacturing output is becoming increasingly technology-intensive, with high-tech manufacturing sectors - such as machinery, scientific equipment and motor vehicles - enjoying a growing share of total manufacturing output since 1994.
SA's technological research and quality standards are world-renowned. The country has developed a number of leading technologies, particularly in the fields of energy and fuels, steel production, deep-level mining, telecommunications and information technology.
